Reformists crawl out of the woodwork

Reformists crawl out of the woodwork

From Pikiran Rakyat

Before the struggle for reform was waged by students and the public succeeded in toppling Soeharto, most people, out of fear of being arrested, did not have the guts to talk about Soeharto's vices.

However, as the reform movement finally brought about the downfall of Soeharto's leadership, all of a sudden late-coming heroes claiming to be reformists are appearing everywhere. Acting as if they are the real heroes of reform, they lobby and have meetings here and there, talk about the post-Soeharto era and clamor about Soeharto's vices.

Some mass organizations, previously known to have staunchly supported the renomination of Soeharto as Indonesia's president for 1998/2003, have now turned 180 degrees and joined the chorus to condemn Soeharto. Reportedly, a special team or organization will start an investigation into Soeharto's wealth and see to its being returned to the state. So, what is this all about, then?

Therefore, let me take this opportunity to call on all Indonesians, as individuals or as members of certain groups or non-governmental organizations, to be always on their guard so that none will ever taint, materially or politically, the struggle for reform, a holy struggle waged by the entire oppressed Indonesian population.

BONAR C. SITINDJAK

Bandung, West Java